Forbidding someone from having a phone or limiting who they can contact via phone or internet

Spying on, monitoring or stalking someone through any type of surveillance device (such as a tracking system or spyware)

Sharing intimate photos of someone without their consent (sometimes called revenge porn)

Impacts of technology-facilitated abuse

Constantly being harassed with controlling and threatening messages, or being monitored via a phone or GPS tracking device, can leave the target of technology-facilitated abuse feeling powerless and justifiably fearful for their safety. If the survivor is still in a relationship with the perpetrator, technology-facilitated abuse can greatly hinder their ability to leave because they may not be able to access resources, talk privately with friends or contact support services that would assist them to safely leave. If the survivor has left the relationship, technology-facilitated abuse can pose a very real risk to their safety, as it may allow the perpetrator to discover their location – which could lead to stalking or a physical attack – or allow the perpetrator to continuously harass them from afar resulting in emotional and psychological distress.

If you are experiencing technology-facilitated abuse…

Ensure you are safe – if you have experienced any form of technology-facilitated abuse you should go to your local police station and report it. There are laws against some forms of technology-facilitated abuse, such as the sharing of intimate photos and the installation of surveillance devices without consent. The officers at your local police station should also be equipped to check your phone, car and home for spyware or devices.

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safe steps respectfully acknowledges and celebrates the Traditional Owners of the lands throughout Victoria and pays its respects to their Elders, children and young people of past, current and future generations.

safe steps is committed to assisting all women and children in the community experiencing family violence. We are an organisation that values inclusivity, diversity and intersectionality.

We are committed to helping women (including transgender women and transfeminine-identifying individuals) and children of all ethnicities, races, sexual orientations, religions, ages and physical abilities. Click here to read our full Inclusivity Statement.